NCJ Number
198896
Date Published
2002
Length
21 pages
Annotation
This videotape discusses the effects and dangers of methamphetamine.
Abstract
Methamphetamine is second only to marijuana as the most widely abused illicit drug in the world. It is the most prevalent synthetic drug manufactured in the United States. “Meth” is a highly addictive stimulant that can be smoked, snorted, injected, or taken orally. The manufacture of meth exposes humans, animals, and the environment to toxic and explosive chemicals. This drug is increasingly a factor in many child protective services cases because the manufacture and use may result in adults neglecting children in their care. Meth is easily made with relatively low-cost materials. It is an odorless, bitter-tasting, white crystalline powder that dissolves in water or alcohol. Production and availability of meth are increasing in the United States due to shipments of the drug and many of its ingredients from Mexico. Typical psychological effects of the meth high include euphoria, alertness or wakefulness, intensified feelings of sexual desire, and feelings of increased strength, renewed energy, invulnerability, and increased confidence and competence. The meth high is followed by a devastating low that results in depression and contributes to an individual’s decision to start using it again. As the drug leaves their systems, users can experience irritability, aggressiveness, frustration, anxiety and depression, fatigue, paranoia, hallucinations, and intense cravings for the drug. People addicted to meth experience a powerful physical and emotional withdrawal. Damaging effects include memory problems, insomnia, decreased appetite, tremors, increased heart rate, breathing problems, organ damage, and irreversible damage to blood vessels in the brain. There is an increased risk of getting or transmitting HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases for users that inject meth and share needles. Many users tend to quickly drop out of treatment, but those that continue in treatment can achieve long-term, drug-free recovery. Effective community efforts to prevent meth manufacture and production include developing a coalition, organizing neighborhood groups, educating the public, supporting treatment programs, and monitoring sales of products used to produce meth.